Mother charged with murder after walking into hospital carrying body of disabled daughter

Joanne Hill, 31, had driven her daughter Naomi, who suffered from cerebral palsy, to hospital in the back of her car.

Mrs Hill arrived at the accident and emergency department in the early hours of Tuesday morning carrying the girl.

Eyewitnesses said the child was already dead and the distraught mother was in a confused state.

Staff at the Countess of Chester Hospital tried to revive Naomi but she was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

Police launched an investigation into the death and arrested Mrs Hill. She appeared before magistrates in Chester yesterday charged with murdering Naomi.

Last night the curtains were closed at her semi-detached house in Connah's Quay, North Wales.

She is estranged from her husband, Simon Hill. The couple married in 2003 shortly before the birth of their daughter.

The family were said to be "devastated" by the death and were too upset to comment last night.

But friends described Mrs Hill as a dedicated mother who doted on her daughter.

One said: "She was absolutely committed to that little girl and was a lovely person. We had no problems with her at all and always found her bright, helpful and friendly."

A neighbour said: "Naomi was a delightful girl and we just can't believe she has gone. It is totally devastating."

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: "There is an on-going police investigation into the death of the four-year-old girl from the Connah's Quay area. As part of that, 31-yearold Joanne Hill, also of Connah's Quay, has been charged with murder."

Yesterday, staff and pupils at Golftyn Primary School in Connah's Quay, where Naomi was in a reception class, were said to be "dazed" by news of her death.

Headmaster Paul Schleising said: "Everyone in the school is absolutely devastated.

"She was a lovely little girl who had a special gift of lighting up our day. She had the gift of bringing the best out in people.

"Our thoughts are with Naomi's family right now."

Mr Schleising sent a letter addressed to parents on Tuesday informing them a pupil had died.

It read: "It is with great sadness that I have to inform you of the sad loss of one of our children. Naomi Hill, of Mrs Floyd's class, passed away earlier today.

"Our sincere condolences go to Naomi's family at this dreadful time. The children have been given the sad news by their teachers earlier today."

A post-mortem examination was carried out yesterday at Liverpool's Alder Hey hospital to establish the cause of death. The results have not yet been disclosed.

Mrs Hill was remanded in custody until December 10 when she will again appear before magistrates.